The Bauchi State Government has announced the closure of all schools across the state for five weeks, from March 1 to April 5, to allow students to fully observe the Ramadan fast. This decision aligns with the official school calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Jalaludeen Maina, the Information Officer for the Ministry of Education, confirmed that the directive applies to all educational institutions in the state, including public and private primary schools, junior and senior secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions.
According to Maina, the government aims to ease academic pressure on students during the holy month, allowing them to focus on their religious obligations without the distraction of schoolwork.
However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions from parents and guardians. While some appreciate the government’s effort to support students’ religious commitments, others are concerned about the potential academic disruption.
A section of parents expressed worries that the extended break could lead to a decline in retention of previously taught lessons and affect students’ overall academic performance. Others fear that keeping children out of school for such an extended period might contribute to increased dropout rates.
Despite the concerns, the state government has maintained that the break is necessary to accommodate the needs of students and their families during Ramadan. Authorities have also urged schools and parents to explore alternative learning methods to mitigate any potential setbacks.
The directive has ignited debate over the balance between religious observance and academic continuity, with education stakeholders calling for strategies to ensure students remain engaged with their studies during the break.
